Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) Ecclesiastical Degree

Purpose

The degree of Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) provides the student with a solid, Thomistic, organic, and complete instruction in theology at the basic level. As a first-cycle ecclesiastical academic degree, it enables graduates to pursue further studies in the sacred sciences. The degree is a prerequisite for further pursuit of an ecclesiastical licentiate degree, and is also accepted for further study in universities of the European Union where the M.Div. is not recognized.

Admission Requirements

The following prerequisites for admission will be evaluated by the seminary academic dean who may, in individual cases, allow the student to remedy particular deficiencies during the first year of the program:

A bachelor’s degree (BA/BS/or its equivalent) from an accredited college or university.

Superior achievement and the ability to pursue graduate work as indicated by the transcript of previous studies (with a minimum GPA of 3.00).

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 91 semester credit hours of coursework is required with the following distribution:

Course Distribution Area

Credits Required

Foundational

Systematic

Sacramental

Moral

Scripture

Church History

Electives

15

15

8

9

18

3

20

A demonstrated reading knowledge of New Testament Greek.

A minimum 3.00 GPA in all coursework being applied toward the S.T.B. degree.

Satisfactory completion of the two-part S.T.B. comprehensive examination (described in the Academic Norms section of the Seminary Student Handbook). The subject matter is material covered in the courses in systematic and sacramental theology, moral theology, and Scripture.

Residency and Fees

The residency requirement for the S.T.B. degree is eight semesters. A $200.00 per year S.T.B. fee is charged.

Advanced Standing

Students may transfer up to thirty (30) credits taken from an ecclesiastical faculty or other institution granting canonical degrees through affiliation with an ecclesiastical faculty.